LestersLegends.com

Ten 2010 NFL Predictions

Apr 13, 2010

Bland Predictions

1. Brett Favre will be back with the Minnesota Vikings in 2010. Even before his “Pants on the Ground” celebration, Favre formed a bond with Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin. They embraced him as their leader and Favre had more fun that he’s had in years, perhaps ever. He truly was like a kid out there. Sure, we’ll have the typical “will he, won’t he” banter, but in the end, I expect #4 under center.

2. The Tennessee Titans will return to the playoffs. They were perhaps the best 8-8 team in NFL history. They suffered through a rash of injuries, particularly in their secondary, and a QB that aged quickly. With Vince Young leading the charge they will return to the postseason.

3. The 49ers will win the NFC West. Seattle and St. Louis are terrible. Arizona lost its leader when Kurt Warner retired, as well as a weakened WR corps following Anquan Boldin’s departure. Matt Leinart is bound to have some growing pains. Meanwhile the 49ers were much-improved in 2009 with Alex Smith and Vernon Davis shedding their bust labels. Patrick Willis leads an underrated defense. They won’t pile up the wins, but should have enough to take home the division.

4. Pittsburgh will miss the playoffs. I won’t call this bold because they didn’t make the playoffs last year. Big Ben’s off-the-field issues coupled with the Santonio Holmes spells doom for the Steelers. Time to regroup.

5. Chris Johnson will not lead the league in running. Since 2001 there has only been one back-to-back NFL rushing champ (LaDainian Tomlinson). In fact, LT is the only back with two rushing titles in that stretch. Chris Johnson was overused last year. LenDale White, provided he remains with the team, will see the ball more frequently. Johnson will have a nice year, but I expect Adrian Peterson to reclaim the rushing title.

Bold Predictions

1. The Texans will make the playoffs. After two consecutive 8-8 seasons, the Texans broke through with a 9-7 record. Unfortunately it was not good enough to earn them their first playoff spot. This year, however, they take the next step forward. They have stars on both sides of the football in Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Mario Williams, Brian Cushing, and DeMeco Ryans. This is the year they take the next step.

2. The Oakland Raiders will win eight games this year. No, I’m not huffing paint fumes. The Raiders have a decent defense and play in a weak division. I’m afraid the Broncos will continue their second half slide, and the Chiefs just don’t have enough talent to compete. They also play the Rams and Seahawks at home. Maybe eight wins is a bit optimistic, but it’s possible.

3. The Jets will miss the playoffs. After their impressive run, most assume they’ll be right back in the mix in 2010. Not me. I love their defense, starting at the top with Coach Rex Ryan to their robbed of the defensive player of the year shutdown corner Darrelle Revis. I’m afraid they are going to miss Thomas Jones more than they anticipate on offense. He was a true professional, and a leader in the clubhouse that will be missed. Not to mention he was an outstanding running back for the Jets. They added a talented WR in Santonio Holmes, but he’s likely to serve a suspension. Plus, he just gives them another distraction. I already have Tennessee and Houston making the playoffs as the wildcard teams so they’ll have to knock off the Patriots for the division title. I don’t see that happening.

4. For the first time since 2004 there will only be one NFC East team in the playoffs. The NFC North figures to be strong with Minnesota, Green Bay and an improved Chicago team. The NFC South is led by the Super Bowl Champion Saints. Plus, Carolina and Atlanta were both playoff-bound in 2008. The G-Men are down and Philly could struggle to find leadershipafter losing both Brian Westbrook and Donovan McNabb just a year after losing Brian Dawkins. Shanahan won’t work that fast in Washington even with the addition of McNabb.

5. Julius Peppers will lead the league in sacks. Going up against the NFC North he could have a field day. He abused Bryant McKinnie when they squared off last year. The Packers had all kinds of problems protecting Aaron Rodgers last year. Detroit is still Detroit. Peppers will want to prove that he deserves his big payday, and a career high in sacks could be in order.

Nice job picking the Titans to return to the playoffs. A lot of people are doubting us but I can promise our defense is going to be much improved and our offense is going to be better than last year (we will pass more successfully)

If the Raiders win 8 games the Chiefs will win 10… dude, seriously? Chiefs picked up Thomas Jones, Ryan lilja and Casey wiegman. They drafted Dexter McCluster who will move around and cause all kinds of trouble. Eric Berry will be an instant impact player. The entire team has showed up in shape this year which didn’t happen last year. If you think the Raiders are going to be more competitive than the chiefs… you ARE huffing paint fumes… or just too many hallucinogens…. All the Raiders have done is switch QB’s (finally) and draft a linebacker. It will be a 3 way race between the Donkeys, Bolts and Chefs. The Raiders will improve. But, I don’t think they are contenders for at least another year, maybe two.

I think your underestimating the impact McNabb will have in Washington in 2010, to say nothing of the stunning difference between Jim Zorn football and Mike Shanahan football.
I don’t see the Skins becoming playoff material just yet, but I can see them being a greatly
improved team and maybe even an inspired one. I really believe McNabb changes everything for the Redskins. There are a lot of solid players here who just need a really good QB and a coach who knows what he is doing. Getting rid of Vinny Cerrato was also a huge leap ahead for this team. It isn’t all about the players. Don’t count us out. This could be the season the Redskins come out of their long and dreadful mediocrity.

A lot of people are doubting my Panthers, saying that will finish 6-10 or worse. I’m confident that they will go 9-7 or 10-6 and clinch a wild-card spot in the playoffs. I know my team will improve this season and they will be better than ever. Go Panthers!!! Let’s dominate!!!

seahawks are going to make division championship but thats it for them this year they wil have an amazing return thee year after and win the superbowl that was cheated from them by those nasty dirty refs from the shitty pitty.

8-8 for the Raiders may be doable but it won’t be because of Jason Campbell. Campbell isn’t the answer for the hapless Raiders or for anyone else for that matter; a stunningly average QB. Nice guy though.
Barry is right…McNaab changes everything in Washington and so does the upgrade in coaching staff (not to mention GM). A weak receiving core takes some of the fun and value out of having McNaab but maybe he’ll bring up their game. McNaab, a rebounding Johnson and a dedicated (and worried) Portis along with the play of TE’s Cooley and Davis and an improved O-line just might get the Skins to the playoffs. It’s pushing it, but it’s not an an absurd notion. Suggesting the Boys alone make the playoffs in the NFC East is just something that my mind and heart refuses to deal with. Just the thought of it
is loathsome. Back to McNaab…he’s going to be treated a lot better here in DC than he ever was in Philly and I think it’s going to make him an even better QB. Enjoy the show!

hmmm nostrikein2011 has the Rams in the playoffs. They have a very easy schedule, but that easy schedule should still take at least 10 games from the Rams, maybe 11 or 12. But, who knows. If Bradford can come out not looking like a rookie and the O-line can keep him from taking too many hits, maybe they can navigate that schedule. The Falcons Matt Ryan took a team with no hope at all to the playoffs in 08′ as did Flacco with the Ravens in the same year. Here are my playoff bound teams.

I agree that the 49ers look good in pre-season. With all the hype and self-promoting you’d think the Jets already won the S.B. They may make the playoffs,but I don’t see them getting the division over the Patriots….unless Belichick doesn’t fix his secondary. And I think it’s going to be a good race between the Packers and the Vikings for the North. And the NFC East should have some good games with the hated Cowboys winning the division.